The problem is that doing those things that I’m good at is sometimes dependent on my being able to slog through the quagmire of the things that I struggle with. Here is my current dilemma:

My ADD is heartily in need of treatment. I have gone to two different doctors and have gotten evaluated and received a diagnosis from both of them. The reason I had to do it again, and have to do it again, is because neither of them were able or willing to prescribe medicine. Are you kidding me?

So, I need to find a doctor who is familiar with ADD, is taking new patients, is contracted with my obscure veteran’s dependent medical insurance and can actually treat my problem.

Most of the symptoms that I exhibit inhibit me from doing that sort of thing.

Because…

I don’t like talking on the phone.

I’m extremely challenged by anything to do with scheduling. and details. and organization.

I have issues with not being assertive.

Decision making is not my strong suit.

Yerg.

So I was talking to my friend about it and we came up with a great idea.

There needs to be a proxy appointment facilitator. Someone who you can just hand off the chore of finding a doctor and appointment scheduling and all that stuff that is effected by the symptoms that you are trying to get treatment for. Maybe there is. But I think it’s only after you are diagnosed, if it exists at all. Which is great. But it would really do the most good, I think, earlier on the path. Oh and it needs to be free. Because cost is also an inhibiting factor for many people. If it wasn’t then we’d all just hire personal assistants and be on our merry way. (Also, the maid and chef-if we’re going to dream.)

So yesterday I decided that I was going to set up an appointment once and for all.

I got the number of my friend’s son’s pediatric psychiatrist who treat’s his ADHD and whom they love. I wasn’t sure if he treated grownups, but I thought that maybe he could recommend someone.

They have an automated answering system where you have to leave a message and they’ll get back to you.

ANSWERING MACHINES ARE MY NEMESIS.

Really, it’s ridiculous how much they throw me off. I expect to talk to a person and use them to get the information that I need. Suddenly I have to quickly figure out what information is most pertinent and it just throws me off my game.

I called and left a msg for the new patient appointment scheduling line. (I’m quite certain that they can tell that I need an appointment by the lameness of my message.)

I called back and tried to talk to the billing department to see if they are contracted with my insurance. The system hung up on me.

I called back and talked to a very nice and helpful lady. I wish she was in the scheduling department.

Then I called back and left a slightly less rambling message on the “general message” line.